Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Pictures of Electra Glide, taken today. Electra says thank you very much to all those who have pledged to help her.







I would like to mention that your pledge and credit card information can be called into Veronica at Desert Pines Equine Center, 702-645-2247, but your credit card will not be charged with your pledge amount until after the surgery is completed.

You can visit their website to see their facilities.

Thank you all so very much!

Stephanie and Rob

Tuesday, October 26, 2010 - Electra update

Bye-bye Herbie!

Electra is scheduled for surgery on Monday, November 8th, 2010 @ 10AM at Desert Pines Equine Center.

The approximate cost for surgery and stay is $1,500.00 in advance (as long as there are no complications) per our contact, Veronica (702-645-2247).

Dr. Hadland will be present for surgery assisting Dr. Shur

If you wish to assist in this procedure please contact Veronica, at 702-645-2247, tell her it is for Electra's Herbie the Hernia surgery. She will be happy to assist you. Veronica keeps a list of all donors, so please provide her with your name and address so that we are able to send you your receipt of donation.

Many thanks to everyone in the effort to fix this little flaw in this precious little one. Electra will remain at their facility for two-three days after procedure for observation.

Stephanie

Update on Electra, October 25, 2010

Electra Glide, weanling of rescued PMU Mare Charity and a resident of Miracle Horse Rescue has been diagnosed with an Umbilical Hernia http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=482

On 10/24/10 during MHR's second phase of their Vaccination Day, Dr. A. Hadland, D.V.M. recommended that she undergo the surgery to correct the issue. This is not an emergency surgery, but again he highly recommended it be done to avoid potential problems in the future as she gets older. Over the last sixty days we have followed the instructions of Dr. Hadland in manipulating the hernia, which is known as " Herbie" in order to reduce the size. But to no avail it remains the same, which he refers to as the "two finger" rule, which means you can stick two fingers in it. She is slightly above this rule.

Desert Pines Equine Center in Las Vegas, is the surgical center where this will be performed. I contacted Dr. Hadland this morning 10/25/10 reminding him to please contact Desert Pines to discuss with them his patient "Electra Glide" as he stated he would. The reason for this discussion is to avoid, having to drive her back and forth and causing undue stress on her little mind, and the unnecessary costs. I spoke with Veronica this morning 10/25 of Desert Pine to let her know that Dr. Hadland would be calling to discuss Electra. She stated that he would be having his conversation with Dr. Leslie Shur, D.V.M., who would be performing her surgery.

With this surgery, Electra would have to remain at their facility for two to three days after the surgery for continued observation. We were told the approximate starting figure for the surgery would be $800.00 and could go up dependent upon the severity, plus the after care at their facility.

No date has been scheduled for said surgery, but we are making preparations. We understand that the economy has touched everyone's lives and believe me we are not immune to this both on the personal as well on the rescue/sanctuary end. What we are asking is if you are able to assist financially in Electra's surgery and her after care it would be appreciated. However, we are not asking for donations be sent at this time, nor do we want them sent to Miracle Horse Rescue. When everything is scheduled, we are asking that your funds be sent/called in directly to Desert Pines Equine Center. The staff at DPEC will request all of your information, and they will provide the list of donors to MHR so that we are able to provide you with a Tax Deductible receipt of said donation. We would like to thank you in advance for your time and consideration in this matter.

History of Electra Glide: Electra is the foal of a PMU Mare from North Dakota that was saved by FOB's, many of which have been around since the TWR days. Charity arrived at MHR October 26th, 2009. She was in poor condition, but we had ample time to aide her in what she needed to prepare for the impending birth. On April 19th, 2010, Charity gave birth to this beautiful little filly. in the wee hours of the morning. She was healthy right from the start and both mother and baby were seen the same day of birth by Dr. Hadland.

How did Electra Glide receive her name? Well, Electra was given this name by a looonnnnggg time FOB from TWR days, who IS a FOUR time Cancer survivor. If she so choses to reveal herself she will, but that will be her call not mine. But I will say this of her, she is very special, and is a very very special friend. We want Electra to have the best, and with providing her with this surgery it is the best, and we do hope that someone may even consider providing her with a "FOREVER HOME" despite her little flaw. Electra has been handled from the day she was born, and has wonderful ground manners, can have her feet done with no issues etc. This can be confirmed by FOBs that have visited her.

Again, thank you for your time in reading and thank you for your possible consideration in assisting in Electra's surgery. Once, everything has been scheduled we will post the date, and information for said surgery.

Below is a video of Dr. Hadland's diagnosis on September 15:




Stephanie and Rob

Friday, October 22, 2010

A Horse's Tale, Chapter 5, Is there no end?

Steph turns to Bruno, "What does Halloween have to do with this?, Bruno turns and says "I don't know what Halloween is, Tell Me, Tell Me.", Steph looks at Bruno, "It's when kids dress up in costumes and go around trick or treating."

Before Bruno could answer, Mama Dog looks up, "Baby goats go around and get treats?" Steph shakes her head... "No, No People kids, you know like the grand children." Mama Dog nods, Bruno is excited, "Treats, Treats, Please Treats."

Steph looks over to him, "No not treats for dogs, Treats for kids." Bruno lower his head, and mumbles "Treats for the goats not for the dogs...Pffft".. "Bruno you have to be one of the dumbest...." Steph voice trails off....

"Well gang we need to find Fred the goat, I need to talk to her, it is really important.", "GO GO find the goat." All the dogs jump up, barking and running for the doggy door, out into the yard, Barking, barking, then all quiet.

Bruno comes back in the doggy door, as Steph is putting the things back into the bags. Bruno looks up, "We don't know where the goat is." Steph looks directly at Bruno "You are all dogs, hunting dogs, FIND THE GOAT." Bruno nods, and runs out the door barking.

As the barking fades into the distance, Steph continues to return each of the items back into Justice's and Spirit's Bags. Steph stands picks up the bags, and the Frank Sinatra hat, and Justice's bowtie. and heads out the door.

"I guess I need to return these to Spirit and Justice. Dang, I wish I could talk to the horses, it would make this a lot easier." Justice has just finished rolling around and is shaking off the dust. He looks up, and whinnies, Steph places the bowtie back on the rail

She opens the gate and walks in and shows Justice his bag. Justice very carefully takes the bag from Steph and walks to the middle of the pen, sets it down on the ground and using his nose, opens the bag and looks inside. He closes the bag and kicks some dirt on the bag.

He walks over to Steph and places his head on her shoulder. "Thank you, I thought I had lost it." Steph looks up, almost in tears, "I can hear you", Justice steps back and looks at Steph, "No, it was them." He looks behind Steph, she turns, looks she sees Eight Dogs, and a goat. Bruno, waggin his tail so hard, that he actually falls down once. "We found her!", Steph says, "Good Morning Fred." The goat, who stands nearly as tall as the big dogs, nods her head, Bruno says " She said good morning." "Where did you find her?"

Bruno says, "She was driving by the gate in her bus." , "Fred you have a bus???", Bruno looks at Fred, nods and looks back at Steph, and says "Yes she stole it from the retirement home last night to bring Spirit and Justice home..." "WHAT"

Steph, looks around, "We can not have a stolen bus sitting out front of the ranch, Fred you have to move it some place... and I mean now." Fred nods, she and all eight dogs take off to the front of the ranch.

Steph walks out of Justice's pen and as she looks back, Justice is kicking a bit more dirt on the bag. She walks over to Spirit's pen and like with Justice, Steph places the Sinatra hat on the rail, she steps in the pen and holds out the designer bag from an outlet mall,

Spirit walks up and just like Justice very carefully takes the bag, and Spirit turns and looks around, water barrel or middle of the pen, decides on center of the pen, walks forward, very carefully places the bag on the ground, and just like Justice, uses his nose to open the bag and look inside, seemingly taking inventory, closes the bag, looks up, and kicks some dirt on the bag, turns and walks back to Steph, "Thank you." Steph not to be caught twice turns and looks behind her, one goat, eight dogs. "That was quick, where did you leave the bus?", Bruno again waggin his tale has hard as his could, "We, We parked it next door near...." "WHAT YOU CAN'T PARK IT THERE, MY LORD, GO PARK IT NEAR THE HIGHWAY OR SOME PLACE FAR AWAY....", with that one goat, and eight dogs head back to the gate....

As she leaves the pen, she turns and Spirit is eating some hay. Steph shakes her head, "Dogs, goats, horses. There is no end." She slowly walks toward the Ladies Parlour, in the distance, she sees 'B' standing there, all is quiet in the parlour, in fact all the horses are standing, resting or sleeping.... As she approaches the pen, she looks around the pen, nothing unusual nothing hanging on the rails, no mounds of....Wait, "what is that..." Over to one side, is a mound of dirt, she had not noticed it before. She walks to the gate, opens it, steps inside. As is the norm, the residents of the parlour, those that are awake, look and see what Steph is going to do. Steph closes the gate, and turns "B, Come here"....

'B' walks up and stands facing Steph, wait for scratches and a hug. Steph using all her training, knowing that a horse has to face you to know that you want. Steph takes a couple of steps and turns to face 'B', 'B' turns her body to face Steph. Steph steps to the side and points at the large mound of dirt across the pen.

"Is that yours? and looks back at 'B', 'B' nods and gallops over to the mound, between snorting, and using her front hoofs, unearths the mound and pulls out a designer bag, a big bag. She reaches down grabs the bag by the handle and picks it up.

She walks back to Steph and holds it forward for Steph to take. Steph reaches forward and carefully takes the bag from 'B', its a beautiful bag, from a top designer, a bit dirty, but you can tell. Steph slowly opens the bag and looks inside...

"Where did you get the bag?" 'B' nods and says "My moms bought it for me, and FEDEX delivered it", having been through this several times in the last few minutes, she didn't want to look behind her, but she did. A goat, and five dogs, "Where are the small dogs?" Bruno says, "They have short legs, we parked the bus at the gas station on the highway, It will take them some time to get back." "We can't have that, go find them NOW." Steph stands there as the pack and goat turn to take off to find the small dogs, "Except Fred and Bruno, the rest of you find the small dogs." Fred and Bruno come to a halt and turn about. Steph turns back to 'B' and opens the bag.

Steph looks in the bag, all she can see is treats, seems like a dozen or more, she looks at 'B', "B, what are these?", 'B' says, "Oh, there are treats we have saved for emergencies or parties, and my Tiara, and some other things, I like." Steph smiles, "Why are you having Bruno collect Wal-Mart bags?", "Oh, Oh, so that everyone has a bag for Halloween to get treats."

"What about the things that Spirit and Justice have in their bags?" 'B', has to think a bit, "not sure what you are talking about, we horses collect things we like, Spirit is the assigned treasurer for Halloween, he has been collecting coins to buy treats. Did you know he has holding 'Horse Washes' at the Chicken Ranch for the last few weekends, seems to attract a lot of male human interest and gets some coins for the fund. Not sure why sure why people want to have to have their horses washed by the ladies at the chicken ranch, but no telling about people...."

Steph smiles, "You know that the moms, and aunties are buying treats for Halloween?", 'B' Looks straight at Steph, and says "Yes, but we want to make sure that each horse or mule gets a treat and a costume of some sorts."

----

Now Stephanie, in full tears, looks up at 'B' "That is wonderful, you are a wonderful horse, and Spirit and Justice for helping."..."Oh, its not just myself, and Justice and Spirit, its all the horses that can help, we all work together, we younger horses do the hoof work..."

"Its amazing what you are doing to help the other horses 'B'," but before Steph can finish, 'B' says, "well its getting harder for a horse to get into Wal-mart, so we might need some help getting all the hats and masks and capes we need." Jerri and Dublin used to do it as leaders of the herd, but Jerri kept biting people in line at the cash register, and Dublin would just sort of walk out with the goods, so it was decided that the younger horses would handle the Wal-mart activities...."

'B' Continues, "We are still short 23 or so costumes, ya know hats, and masks and things, we need some help in getting them, time is short, Halloween is only a week away."

Steph hears some barking from the north, it's the pack coming in the ranch with three very tired small dogs.... "Well we have a few issues to solve first, a bus, a goat, and Rob will be back in just a few minutes for lunch..."

Steph hugs 'B' and walks to the gate, the hug triggers a mass appeal to the other horses in the parlour, and Steph hugs each, and slowly makes her way to the gate. As she exits, she notices that 'B' has picked up the bag, and is walking to the other side of the pen.

Steph turns and walks back toward the house. "You know Fred, you know that you can't be stealing buses from the old folks home, it isn't right." Fred through a translation from Bruno says, "Yes I know, but it was the only way to get the Equines home before dawn, we have only done it a few times. The people at the retirement home don't notice it gone before say, noon or so...",

Steph looks down at her watch, and says, "well its 11:50 now"... Steph is stopped in her tracks as the goat yells "Holy shi..." and takes off followed by the big dogs, the small dogs have seen enough running for one day..

----

To be continued.

AUTHOR: SAMM

Thursday, October 21, 2010

A Horse's Tale, Chapter 4 Part 2, What you got there?

Steph reaches down, and reaches in and grabs a plastic bag, she holds it up, its a Wal-Mart bag. Lifting up the edge of Bruno's bed, and see two stacks of perfectly flat, neatly stacked Walmart bags.

"Bruno, what are you doing with all these Wal-Mart bags?", Bruno looks up and say's "Can't tell you.", Steph asks, "Why not?", "Its a secret." he says looking between the bags and Steph.

"Bruno, where did you get all of those Wal-Mart bags?", "Oh, I catch them when they blow into the yard and sometimes the trash", Bruno answers.

"But I clean the beds every week, I have never seen them.", "Oh, I move them outside on cleaning days." Bruno says waggin his tale.

Steph bends down and picks up the Wal-Mart bags, each neatly stacked and perfectly flat, as if brand new..... "Wonder how many are here?", Bruno, looks up, waggin his tail, "Seven feet"

Steph looks back at Bruno, "Bruno there is more than 5 feet of bags.", "No, I count them every day, Seven feet," Bruno comes over and very carefully takes one bag, and lays in on the floor.

"One", then takes another, "Two", and continues with Three, four, and Five. Bruno then raises, his left front leg, "One Foot"....

Steph looks at Bruno, "What are you talking about?", Bruno continues the explanation, Bag six, seven, eight, nine, ten. He then raises his right rear leg.

Bruno, say "Two feet"...... Bruno continues, "If I continue I will fall down." he looks up at Steph to see if she understands...

Steph finally understands, "What do you do when you get past four feet?" Bruno, having placed all his feet back on the ground, looks and says "oh, one of the other dogs helps me count."

Steph, nods, "BRUNO, what are you doing collecting plastic bags?", all the dogs look up, Bruno, says "I can't tell you.", Steph says "WHY?", more interest from the dogs, Bruno steadies himself, "Its a secret."

Steph notices the interest in the conversation from the other dogs, all of whom are looking back and forth between Bruno and Steph....

Steph sits down on the floor, Bruno's dog bed to one side, and now 4 stacks of Wal-Mart plastic bags neatly laying on the floor. "You don't play with them?", Bruno, looks up, "OH, NO, they are not toys or treats they are for the ...",

Seven Dogs, including Moo, Jump up and start barking, Bruno lowers his head..... Steph, yells out, "Hey I am talking here, or Bruno is." the dogs all quiet down and lay down, except for Mama Dog who is staring at Bruno, Steph looks at Bruno.

"Bruno, who are the Wal-Mart bags for?, "I can not tell you.", Steph starts to think, hmmmm... "I will give you a treat.", Bruno jumps up, "The Horses, The Horses.", Mama dog shakes her head and lays down....

Deal is a deal, Steph stands up and grabs a treat from the bag, and sits back down on the floor. "OK, its no longer a secret, here is your treat." Bruno inhales the treat, and is so happy, he is waggin his tail so hard he nearly falls down.

"Bruno, why are you collecting Wal-Mart bags for the horses?", Bruno looks up, shrugs, "I don't know.", Steph, has to think as fast as Bruno, which isn't really that hard... "Bruno, who told you to collect the bags?"

Bruno says, "Oh, it was 'B'.", "You can talk to 'B'?", "Oh, No I can't talk to the horses.". Steph leans back. "Oh, now I am really confused."

Steph begins slowly, "Bruno, if you can't talk to 'B', how did she tell you to collect the Wal-Mart bags?", Bruno looks up, "Can not tell you, its a secret." At that point Mama Dog jumps up and barks at Bruno, and says.... "Tell her about the goat, and stop beggin for treats, stupid dog."...

Steph looks at Bruno, then back to Mama Dog, Bruno shrugs, Mama Dog, just lays down. "Hey I heard Mama Dog talk to me." Bruno "Of course you did.", Steph looks at Bruno "What do you mean by that?", Bruno says "Don't you know?"

Steph says, "What do you mean?", Bruno looks around the room with dogs laying about, and says "Moo, has the gift of understanding, and it is passed to other dogs in the pack." Bruno continues "Only one dog in 10,487 feet has that blessing."

Steph, sits up a bit, "So you mean that since we got Moo, we have been able to talk to all of you?" She looks around and each dog nods, Bruno speaks up for the pack. "Well yes.", Steph goes why haven't I heard any other dogs other then you and now Mama Dog," Bruno stands up, "Thats is because I have the most to say.", seven other dogs almost in unison, "Pfffft"

"Bruno we have a problem, the two horses have been out and caused a problem for all of us. and what is this about a goat?" Steph is quicker than most dogs make her out to be, she remembered the comment.

"Oh, the Goat, she tells us what to do for the horses." Steph wants to continue the conversation, but the part about the goat is confusing her to no end.

"Tell me about the Goat." Bruno stands up straight, tail waggin, "Her name if Fred, she comes by at night and talks to the horses and then talks to us." Steph says, "I have never seen a goat on the ranch." Bruno, goes on "Oh she is very quiet, and and she is very secretive...." Steph says, "Oh yes it seems so.", "Fred, a Nanny goat, can talk to the horses and you can talk to her?", Bruno, looking so proud, as if he just found a good pile of poop to bring back to the house.

"YES, YES", "and she told you that 'B' wanted you to collect Wal-Mart plastic bags?", Bruno "YES, YES", Steph, seeing a bit of progress, "Why did 'B' ask for the Wal-Mart plastic bags?", Bruno replies, "I don't know."

Steph takes her hand and places in on her forehead. "Oh this is going to take some time to figure out."...

Bruno says, "Don't worry, I don't understand about Halloween either..." Steph looks up.....

-----

To be continued.....


Author: SAMM

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

A Horse's Tale, Chapter 4 Part 1, Did you hear?

Steph sitting in front of the computer and types "Be back in a while have some errands that have to be run."

She stands, looks at the dogs laying around, nods and grabs her purse and keys. "Ok Guys and Gals, I have errands to run.",

Bruno looks up, "Food, Food", Steph says "Not on this run. You guys watch the ranch." Steph heads out the door.

Steph walks out to the car, looks around the ranch, all is quiet, which is good. She drives up to the gate, gets out, opens the gate, drives out, closes the gate, and heads off on her errands.

First on the list, Shadow Mountain Feed, for some Rice bran, then the grocery store, then the gas station... After a short drive, she pulls into the parking lot.

"Rice Bran, Rice Bran do I need anything else." She opens the door, steps in and Patti Cross, yells out, "Stephanie, did you hear?"

Steph, looks up and across the store at Patti, "What, I just got here?", Patti says, "Did you hear about the horses."

Steph walks over to the counter, "What horses, when, where?", Patti, "You won't believe this. Four Horses, well actually Three Horses and a mule were at the Nugget Casino last night."

Patti continues, "Well not just at the casino, they were inside and partying and dancing." Steph, slowly reaches up and pushes her mouth closed..."Really who was with them, was it a show or what?"

"No, they were alone, and apparently had tickets, and were playing at the tables, and even were eating at the late night buffet.",

"People all over town are talking about it."

Steph looks down, "Oh, I just need some rice bran." Patti, looks up and nods.

Steph thinks well I have to say something...."Well that is unreal, any idea who the horses belonged to?", Patti shrugs, "No one knows. It appears no one up that late recognized the horses."

"Well I am sure that someone will figure it out.." Patti rings up the bag of rice bran, and says, "I am sure the Sheriff Office will figure it out, Captain Becht was at the casino this morning." "It is pretty unusual even for Pahrump, to have horses out partying..."

Steph nods, "Yes very unusual."

For some reason, as Steph walked out to the parking lot with the bag of rice bran, her mind was wondering, "The Sheriff's office... Horses out partying", "OMG"

Well, the trip to the grocery store and getting gas have fallen by the way side....

Steph drives back to the ranch, as she pulls up to the house, "We have to resolve this. Otherwise Robert is going to jail for letting horse run about...Or me...Robert, for sure, he is in charge of gates...Or me, because I am in charge of welfare." Steph screamed loud enough for bring the dogs out of the house.

Bruno, comes out, yelling "FOOD, FOOD,...", Steph well some of the family are excited.... "Ok, let’s resolve this here and now."

Steph, grabs the bag of rice bran, and walks to the house, the dogs are running about looking for treats, Bruno, still yelling "FOOD, FOOD", Steph looks down at him, "No Food." Bruno looks up and says, "What no food, pfffft" and wonders back inside.

Steph sits down, well maybe the Moms and Aunties have come up with some ideas...... "My Goodness, I hope so. I would hate to see Robert going to jail." Just as that thought was formed, she looks over at Bruno, who is messing with his bed, pushing something under the bed.

"Bruno, what are you doing?", Bruno looks up "aaahhhh, nothing, Nope not doing anything wrong, Nope, nothing." Steph stands up and walks over to Bruno's bed, and lifts up one corner. "Bruno what is this?"

Bruno looks up, "Ahhhh, nothing going on here, nope nothing, not me." Steph reaches down, and reaches in and grabs a handful of....

-----

to be continued.


Authored By: Samm

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Here are some pictures of a couple of the horses preparing themselves for the Parteee

Justice

CB
Bright
Misty, too dignified for a mask

They are saying please get ready for a wonderful party

Stephanie and Rob

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

A Horse Tale, Chapter 3, A designer bag from the outlet mall.

Steph gets back to the house, sets the bag she found in Spirits pen on the table. She walks over and pours a cup of coffee. She sits down and stares at the bag. "What is Spirit keeping?" Bruno looks up and shakes his head.

A bag from the outlet mall sits before Steph, and after looking in the Walmart bag that Justice had, Steph is really concerned. "Ok, Steph, cowgirl up." Steph looks over to Bruno, "Did you say that?" Bruno nods his head.

Steph reaches forward, opens the bag, and reaches inside. Steph pulls out, a pair of swim goggles (big enough to fit a horse), two under 15 tickets to 'Wet 'n Wild Las Vegas water park', Brochure for the Chicken Ranch, a quote from Amber Pools & Spas for a lap pool, and two oatmeal cookies, mostly intact.

As Steph starts to move the now empty bag, she figures out something else is in the bag. Opening the bag all the way, she peers inside, the bottom of the bag is filled with coins. With all diligence she counts the coins, quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies.... $212.27. "What the heck has he been doing?"

Bruno looks up at the question and says in his way, "You are the cowgirl, you figure it out, don't like coins, taste bad....." Steph nods and looks at the array of items on the table...

Steph says "Well lets see what we got." Well out of Justice's Walmart bag, copy of a current edition of the "Horse Racing Journal", some chips from Pahrump Nugget Hotel & Casino, actually $137 dollars worth, a hotel key, and a photo of a bay colored thoroughbred mare, actually signed with a small hoof print in the corner, oh and two half eaten carrots.

Out of Spirits bag, pair of swim goggles, two under 15 tickets to 'Wet 'n Wild Las Vegas water park', Brochure for the Chicken Ranch, a quote from Amber Pools & Spas for a lap pool, and two oatmeal cookies, and $212.27 in coins.

Bruno looks up and says, "All junk nothing useful.", Steph looks back and says "Well maybe to you, but it appears to Justice and Spirit they mean something." Bruno, just lowers his head, "Horses Pfffft".

well its getting close to 9 am, Steph had planned some cleanup and maybe a few water barrels, but the array of items on the table has her baffled, concerned and a bit worried. If she tells Rob when he gets back from working, he will think she has gone off the deep end.

"Oh, the chat, it’s been an hour or more since I typed BRB.", dang people will think I got lost or something. Taking a swig of now cold coffee, she readies herself for humiliation, scorn, and barbs, from her friends and supporters from around the country... "I can do this." thinks to herself, Steph nearly in tears, looks over to Bruno, "Put the stuff back in the bags, give them back to the horses, and forget about it."

"Nope, I just can't leave it at that." Steph returns her gaze back to the items. Steph turns her attention to the computer screen, last few entries on the chat are about the weather in New York, bosses and the normal chatter. "Well let’s see what the world can make of this." Steph begins to type.

"Morning all, sorry got busy with things"....Morning Steph from several people follows. Steph in her best cowgirl fashion, types "Found two bags this morning in Justice's and Spirits pens.", "You would not believe what I found."..... Steph waits, and waits. Then the first reply comes in "What tell us.", "What did you find?", "Yes tell us."

Steph takes a deep breath, and begins to type.... "Nope can't do it.", which is followed by response from several people, "please tell us", "is it bad", "are the horses ok!!!", "OMG what is going on, just got here?"

"No, it’s not bad, the horses are ok.", " but it’s really weird.", " I found a plastic bag in each of their pens, I brought them back to the house to see what was inside.".... "what was inside?", "OMG,", "tell us"...

"Well when I was feeding this morning I noticed a plastic bag half buried in both Spirits and Justices pens.", "I brought them back to the house to see what was inside.".

"What was inside?", "Tell us", "Good Morning, what’s going on?".....

"ok, ok, I will list the things in each bag, I can't not figure out any of it, maybe you ladies can help."

"In Justices' bag he had.

1) copy of a current edition of the "Horse Racing Journal",
2) $137 dollars worth of chips from Pahrump Nugget Hotel & Casino,
3) a hotel key,
4) a photo of a bay colored thoroughbred mare, actually signed with a small hoof print in the corner,
5) two half eaten carrots.

In Spirits bag he had.

1) pair of swim goggles,
2) two under 15 tickets to 'Wet 'n Wild Las Vegas water park'
3) A Brochure for the Chicken Ranch,
4) a quote from Amber Pools & Spas for a lap pool,
5) two oatmeal cookies,
6) and $212.27 in coins."

"You ladies are going to have to help me figure this out. I really have no idea what they are up to."

The quiet that followed on the chat was as if the chat was broken, or that everyone had left......

Just as Steph was about to burst into tears, Bruno came up and laid his head on her lap, "They will figure it out, the Mom's and Aunties are a pretty cool group."

Steph looked down and rubbed his neck, "You are a very good dog.", Bruno looks up "Got any treats?"....


_____

To be continued... This chapter is meant to be interactive, responses will guide the next chapter of Horse's Tale.


Author....Samm

Monday, October 18, 2010

A Horse's Tale, Chapter 2, Who Me?

As Steph puts her coffee cup down, "What am I doing, I got two horses running loose." Steph jumps up, heads for the door, grabs the rope halter and lead, and heads out.

The dogs look up, and not hearing anything go back to sleep. Steph heads to the back of the ranch, knowing she will find Spirit and Justice running about.

As she approaches the Round Pens she see Justice in the right pen, where he started the night. She walked around to the gate, and it was closed and locked. "Did I dream all this?", but as she turned she saw a bow tie hanging on the rail.

Now she heads back to Spirits pen. Shaking her head, Steph doesn't know what to expect. Spirit looks up as Steph approaches, with a look of Who Me, The gate is closed and locked and a hat is hanging on the rail next to the gate.

Steph is now really confused, worried, and really upset with both Spirit and Justice. Just to make sure the rest of the crew is safe and settled, she walks each stall and the two larger pens. All is quiet, a few looks of do you have Hay, but otherwise quiet.

As she heads back to the house, "Well daylight will answer several questions." Or so Steph thought.

Steph comes in the house, the dogs look up, its not daylight yet, so back to sleep. Steph pours another cup of coffee and sits down to ponder.

"How did they get out?", "Where did they go?", "Who were the other two equines?" Bruno looks up, Steph looks over, "Maybe it was boys night out.", Steph nods. "

As Steph finishes her second cup of coffee, she stands, as the sun peaks over the mountains, "Its time to feed the horses." Dogs jump up, big ones head outside, little ones run around Stephs feet.

Steph moves to the Ladies Parlour, the Football Field, then to the back row, she talks to every horse, looks them over, and goes to the next. Some are excited and run back and forth, some know what to expect, and wait for their morning hay.

As Steph approaches Spirits Pen she looks it all over, panels, connections, gate, can't see any problems. Well she walks up and Spirit looks up, "Breakfast time", Steph looks at him and says, "Well maybe not. What went on last night?"

Spirit looks to his right, then to his left, kicks a little bit of dirt on to a pile of dirt near the center of his pen.

Steph nods, as if to say "ok", then drops the hay into the feeder. "We will see Spirit, we will see", Steph,

Steph, feeds the rest of the horses along the back row, then heads off to the round pen and Justice.

Justice seems to be sleeping on his feet, but looks up as Steph walks up, normally he runs about, kicks the rail, and is really happy to see breakfast, this morning, maybe not.

Steph, looks at him and says, "What’s wrong Justice?", Justice turns and looks at Steph, and kicks some dirt with his back hoof onto a pile of dirt in the middle of the pen.

As Steph drops the hay on the ground, Justice see breakfast, and is happy now. and dives in.... Steph, thinks to herself, what are these two tring to hide....

Steph feeds Electra, tries to anger Herbie, and heads back to the house. Knowing that she will get on the computer and tell everyone that everyone is fed and happy, but what of last nights events.

Another cup of coffee, Steph sits down and logs onto JTV. "Good Morning All" ahh wait a second "BRB", Steph jumps up and heads for the door.

She walks in a direct line to the Round Pen, dogs confused run every which way, but in the general direction. Steph walks around to the gate, opens it and goes in. Close the gate, look around, Justice is busy eating, and doesn't seem to care that Steph has entered his area.

She walks around the pen, looking at the connections between the rail panels, she looked to see if the panels have been moved, nope everything in place. Steph turned and looked around the pen. "Hmmm what is that pile of dirt?", she walks over quietly, not to disturb Justice.

Steph stands in the middle of the Round Pen, just behind a pile of dirt. Still wearing her bunny slippers she kicks the pile of dirt, and a plastic bag becomes visible.

Steph looks over quickly to Justice, who has at least two mouthfuls of hay, and she bends over and picks up not just a plastic bag, but a Walmart bag and there are things inside....

Steph heads for the gate, Justice does not look up, seems hay has a better appeal then an old plastic bag, at least for now.

As Steph turns to lock the gate, the dogs are going "FOOD, FOOD", Steph turns to them and Says "Not Food", at that point 8 dogs drop their heads and head back to the house.

As she starts the leave, she reaches over the rail and grabs the bowtie, hanging near the gate....

She gets back to the house, sits down at the computer ready to join into the morning conversations, "Rob, did you leave anything in Justice's pen for him to play with?", after a few moment Rob says "Nope haven't been by him in a couple of days." Steph turns and looks at the dirt Walmart bag, and , Rob asks, "Why do you ask?", "Ahhh, nevermind was just thinking.",

Rob heads for the door, off to work, Steph turns and says "Take care.", Rob turns and says, "Right, don't hurt yourself, should be back for lunch".... Rob closes the door and Steph turns to the Walmart bag.

What is in it?, did it just blow into the pen?, is Justice trying to hide something, why would a horse want to hide anything...

Steph turns to the computer, starting to type "Good Morning All, you won't believe...", ahhh wait Steph can't tell anyone yet, backspace, backspace....

"All the horses are feed, and all are happy." turning to her left, she looks at the bag, "I have to look inside.". She looks over to Bruno, he looks back and Says, "What could a horse be keeping, not like sticks or poop, or a dead mouse." Steph nods, and opens the bag.

Steph, opens the bag, what could be in a buried Walmart bag in a horses pen... Yeah what....

Well Steph finds a current edition of the "Horse Racing Journal", some chips from Pahrump Nugget Hotel & Casino, actually $137 dollars worth, a hotel key, and a photo of a bay colored thoroughbred mare, actually signed with a small hoof print in the corner, oh and two half eaten carrots.....

Steph looks over to Bruno who is interested to see if any food is in the bag, and says "What do you think?" Bruno looks up, "hmmm no poop, not interested", "No Sticks?", "don't care", "What is Spirit hiding?", Before Bruno, could get to his feet, Steph was out the door.

I don't know if you ever tried to run 100 yards in bunny slippers but it takes some work. Bruno, made it back to Spirits pen first, followed by 7 dogs, not having any idea what is going on, but they enjoyed the run. Steph opened the gate, Spirit was nose deep in hay and didn't seem to notice.

Steph looked around, .... where is the pile of dirt... Steph looks over to Spirit, "What did you do with it?", Spirit looks slowly around and looks to his water barrel, then goes back to eating.

"Ahhh", Steph walks over the water barrel, look inside and see's a floating plastic bag, not a Walmart bag, but a designer bag from the outlet mall. She reachs in and gets the bag.

"ahhh, well this should be good.", as she walks out she picks up the Frank Sinatra hat off the rail....

---
to be continued..

Monday, October 18, 2010

Samm is the author of this late night story. Samm does most of his postings late at night when most of us are fast asleep. He does this on our chat, so when we awaken in the morning we are amused by one his creative stories or we learn different facts about horses and various other historical items that have occurred over the years. Thanks Samm for keeping us on our toes.



This tale hasn't happened yet, but as Steph tells it this is what happened.

Just a few days ago, Steph got up around 5 AM, and is heading to the coffee pot, as is the norm,

The sun isn't up yet and all is quiet around the ranch.

The dogs are all asleep in their beds, til a buzzing noise is heard, the bigger dogs jump up and head up the doggy door, the younger ones, start to run around Steph's feet.

The buzzing noise comes from the 'buzzer' at the front gate. Put there to alert Steph and Rob of visitors.

Well with the dogs off at a full run, Steph looks around for her robe and those cute bunny slippers she has...

and out the door, its not really that far to the gate, but at this hour no tell what it could be. As she leaves the door, she grabs the flashlight and heads out.

The dogs have stopped barking, but are still standing at the gate. Steph is fuming, 'Who would come by the ranch at this hour?'

There isn't a car or truck at the gate or at least no headlights, but there are two shadows standing next to the gate and the buzzer.

As Steph gets closer, she see's two horses standing there. "Oh, I hope someone didn't abandon two horses for us.".....

With the dogs at the quiet and the closer Steph gets to the gate, see shines the flash light at the horses, and who does she see....

as she gets to the gate, she recognizes Spirit and Justice...."What in the Heck are you two doing out there?".

Hard to tell, since neither of them answered. Steph reaches the gate, bends down to unlock the chain, and then looks up again at the two young horses.

Spirit has a hat on, cocked over one ear, something like Frank Sinatra would wear.

And Justice has a bow tie on, looped around his neck... Spirit is leaning against the post with his front legs crossed.

and Justice is just pawing the ground in front of him...

Did someone steal them late in the night and return them or what, as Steph was thinking that she looked down the road, and saw two shapes about a quarter mile away just barely illuminated but the lights.

It was a mule, you can tell from the back end, and a miniature horse of some breed... "What the Heck?"

As Steph swings the gate open, both Spirit and Justice awake from there musings and walk in and head to the back of the ranch.

Steph, closes the gate, and secures the lock, and looks down at the dogs. She is pretty sure that Bruno looks up and says, "I don't know either"....

"You two have alot of explaining to do once I get some coffee." As Spirit and Justice make there way back to their pens, little dust clouds form as they drag their hoofs on the ground.

Of course Steph and dogs make just as much dust as the horses going back to the house.

Should she tell Rob, should she go check to see if they, Spirit and Justice, are ok, or should she get the dust off of and out of her bunny slippers.

Well nothing is going to happen till she gets some coffee.....

Steph, sits down with her cup of coffee, takes a sip and looks at Bruno. Bruno in his way of communications looks back and says, "Who the heck were the other two Equines with them?"

At which Steph answers back, "How the Heck am I supposed to know."

Steph and Rob have had breakouts, and running about, but never a breakout where the horses left the property and came back looking as if they had been to a party....

"Oh, those two are in real trouble, yes they are."

Rob asked from the bedroom, "Who you talking to?"

"Ahhh, nevermind you would not believe it anyways..."

» _______

to be continued...

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Good Saturday Morning to Everyone,

Hope this finds all well. We are very quiet here this morning, There is a nip in the desert air. It is changing that's for sure.

Horses are all doing well. This is a good thing. They are quiet and content. No noises from anyone of them. Just all enjoying the sun rise this morning. There really is not a lot to report on.

We are still manipulating Electra's hernia and to me there seems to be some shrinking of the hole. This is my uneducated opinion as I am not a veterinarian, but I believe there is a difference. The good Doctor H. said it takes time, and we will continue to do what he wants, in hopes of her not having to undergo surgery. That would be a blessing.

Sophie and her Cushing's Disease has not progressed, so far laminitis as not reared its ugly head and we hope that it does not. http://www.laminitis.org/cushings.html This is very interesting, so if you have a moment to read, it may give you a better understanding of the disease and the effects it has on a horse. But she is content, and that is what matters.

We wish you all a wonderful weekend. Take care and be safe.


Stephanie, Rob and the entire MHR Gang

October 15, 2010

Today is the anniversary of the passing of our dear sweet Faith. She endured many obstacles in her life, but the one I remember most is that she was able to forgive humans for her unjust treatment of her.

She came to Miracle Horse Rescue in such poor condition, and in a short time we were able to bring her back. It was a challenge as she was heavy in foal. She made strides daily, physically and mentally. She gave birth to a beautiful colt, Faith's Justice, who we love dearly. She was able to spend time with him during his first few months of life, but three weeks after weaning, she passed in her sleep.

I will never ever forget this beautiful mare, and her son is a constant reminder of what she endured in her lifetime, this is her Justice she has given to the world!

In my heart forever Faith

Stephanie & Rob

(Photo by Cathy Potter)

More bobbin'

Jerri assisting Dublin in bobbing duties



Little Bear

Sunday, Octobeer 10, 2010

Old Man



Dublin (going for gold!)



The Halloween Party has started. Let's Bob for Apples. Sure hope you can attend!

Spirit, Baby B and Justice

It's a dog's life, part 2

Well, into every life a little rain must fall. Yes, our beloved pooches have been recruited into publicity for our Halloween Party. Bruno looks like he can have fun doing just about anything. But the others, well maybe not so much.

Bruno and Adrian
Bruno
Truffles
Ewtie
Mama Dog
Moon
Adrian
Ginger
And where was Abby? She wanted absolutely nothing to do with it!

Stephanie and Rob

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Good morning,

A little catching up on a very busy weekend. First, Charity's time in the Ladies Parlour has come to an end. She just really prefers not to associate with the riff-raff out there! She's back in her private accommodations and pretty happy about it.

Rob and I are very happy to have a new toy, a brand new power washer! This was donated by one of our long-time FOB friends and we appreciate it very much. It saves us a tremendous amount of time and really gets those water barrels clean.


Rob and Stephanie

It's a dog's life at MHR

PJ (Mama Dog)
Adrian and Bruno
The gang greeting Rob
Abby
Ginger

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Good Morning to Everyone!

I would like to THANK everyone for coming to Spirit, Baby B. and Justice's Halloween Party. This is the first time they have put one on themselves and so far they are gathering a nice crowd. They are really hoping to get more to come cause they really want to ROCK THE HOUSE. They want to be the cool kids, that everyone talks about having the best parties, even though there is adult supervision (an absolute must) and no APPLE CIDER (because they are under aged)

As the party continues to grow with guests, the more SKODE treats we can provide to everyone. They are healthy, low fat, sugar free, high fiber, so we do not have to worry about fitting into our costumes.

So come one and all to Spirit, Baby B, and Justice's first ever Halloween Pahteeeeee!

Stephanie and Rob

Tuesday afternoon, October 5, 2010

Good afternoon,

We have been busy.

Today, Charity, mother of Electra Glide, was turned out into the Ladies Parlour. The transition was perfect, and it is as if she has been there with them from the beginning. She has her feet done as well, and she stood perfectly to have them done. Here are some photos taken at 1:45pm 10/05/10.

Grace as you all know came back to MHR due to her family losing their jobs. She is now back in the Football Field with her gang. Everyone got excited, and have been having a "TAIL" Gate Party, however they have all been invited to Spirit, B and Justice's Halloween Party. The hosts and hostess have ensured excellent treats to be handed out for the party. So if you would like to participate please do!

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Good morning,

On 10/2/10 we began the first round of vaccinations and it all went well. Each horse took it all in stride, and none has had a negative reaction to the vaccines. We will continue vaccines in two weeks.

The weather has been different, it has rained just a bit, but nothing to speak of. I think the total time was maybe 8 minutes for both rain showers. You know the type of rain which is just enough to mess up the windshield of your vehicle. Oh well, it is more than we have had.

Doctor Hadland has us continuing to manipulate the umbilical hernia that Electra has for another 30 days. He would also like for her not to undergo surgery as well. Lets face it surgery is surgery and their are risks with any type. So we will continue to do so.

Sophie as well all know has been diagnosed with Cushings, she is on the Chasteberry daily. Her appetite is wonderful, but along with Cushings they do lose their muscle tone etc., which makes them look extremely poor. She is on her Sr., Equine, Rice Bran and Hay and is eating all of it. As Dr. Hadland states, we cannot reverse this disease but we can curtail the symptoms. Laminitis is the one issue we do not want her to endure. So she is being watched closely and is and will be under vet care the remainder of her days.

We would like to wish everyone a wonderful Tuesday. Be safe and be happy!

Stephanie and Rob

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Thank you all for the wonderful birthday wishes and of course the yummy cake..as always Lucy has outdone herself.

I do feel this is a special day, as I am blessed to continue my work for the horses and I hope I have many more years of doing so. I am blessed to have such a wonderful family and my extended family who are so supportive in every aspect of my life.

The first session of shot day went well, exams went well also. Emmett was found to have a good size heart murmur, but Doctor Adam says this is very common in older horses.

He stated that Misty looks absolutely wonderful for her age and what a love she is. We were standing there shooting the breeze and she came walking in between all of us to get loved on. Rhis horse is an icon at our facility as she gave birth to a beautiful colt , but at her age is was unbelievable. Though she had somewhat of a tough time of it, she was a real trooper. For those that do not know, Misty was purchased in 2006 at auction when she was in foal. She was one of the horses the FOBs selected personally to be purchased.

Shot day, all in all, was great! Next session of shots will be in two weeks.

Thank you to everyone for your participation in our silent auction! Hope you will join the October Halloween party!

Everyone have a blessed day and again thank you for the birthday wishes!

Stephanie and Rob

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Day One of vaccinations at MHR